The Cost of Not Following Jesus, Part 4
A cost of not following Jesus is that you will attempt to find truth, peace, and righteousness through your own self. The Sermon on the Mount reveals that none of those are possible outside of life in the kingdom of God.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is one thing about this message that you found especially helpful, challenging, or thought-provoking?
- Read and discuss Matthew 5:1-12. How do the Beatitudes represent “upside down living” according to the standards of the world?
- How is Matthew 5:20 the “doorway” to considering the sermon on the mount?
- How is self-righteousness hardwired into our fallen human nature? How have you both observed and experienced this?
- What does the growth pattern of your walk with Jesus look like? What stumbling blocks have you come across along your journey? What things have helped you most along the way?
- How is kingdom living meant to be honest living? What is the alternative to living a life of truth and vulnerability?
- Consider and discuss what C.S. Lewis said: “That which is not eternal is eternally out of date.” Consider also the words of Jim Elliot, who said “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” How do these quotes encourage you toward kingdom living? Are there other quotes like these that have been memorable or helpful in understanding kingdom living?
- How are generosity, a clear conscience and loving your enemies weapons against the kingdom of darkness?